UNITEDRANT

Giggs avoided Fergie for a decade

Ryan Giggs spent the first 10 years of his Manchester United career trying to avoid Sir Alex Ferguson, because he was so terrified of the legendary Scottish manager. Firebrand Ferguson has developed a reputation for the infamous hairdryer treatment, in which he screams in the face of his victims from just inches away.

Ferguson famously tracks his players’ activity all over town, once turning up on Giggs’ doorstep during a late-night illicit party. But the Scot has mellowed over the years, says Giggs, and now even asks the Welshman’s opinion as the senior player in the United dressing room.

“Maybe the dynamics of the game has changed but it comes from experience, the success he’s had and the enjoyment he gets out of it.

“But don’t think the desire and the hunger isn’t there. It’s still there as it was when I first met him. He still wants to win, he still hates losing and likes to play football in the right way.

“My relationship has changed with him. When I first met him I was 13 and for the next 10 years you try and keep out of the way.

“He asks your advice more now than when you were a younger player. You have that experience, you’re in the changing-room day-in, day-out. So it’s a natural progression from manager to coach to experienced player in the dressing room.”